What is the Ascension of Jesus? Why is it important?

Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven. What exactly does the Ascension mean and why is it important?

In the Book of Acts we read:

"'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight."
Acts 1:8-9

There are at least three reasons the Ascension is important to us:

1. Jesus is in heaven.  

In the Apostles' Creed we say that Jesus "ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

Many heresies have arisen throughout history trying to separate Jesus's humanity and divinity. The Ascension of Jesus' body and soul solidify the truth about Jesus. He is fully God and fully man.

2. The Holy Spirit is here.

We are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost follows shortly after the Ascension. This was the promise Jesus made before his ascension.

What will the Holy Spirit help us do? The Spirit will lead us to become the witnesses of the life of Christ throughout the world.

3. Jesus will come again.

After the Ascension angels say to the disciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

When we think about heaven, we usually think about our soul in heaven after we die, but we will also experience the resurrection of the body when Jesus returns.

Our bodies will be raised and taken up to heaven with Jesus at the Second Coming of Christ.


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